literature terms

allegory

• all of the characters are intended as symbols

• a brief and often indirect reference

• to convey special effect or meaning

• metaphorically given the qualities of human beings

Motif

• thematic opposite of the main character

• the villan

• the main character

• a series of reoccurring details that have symbolic importance

static vs dynamic characterization

• Static characterization is revealed through direct description, while dynamic characterization is revealed through a character's actions, thoughts, and dialogue
• Static characterization changes throughout the story, while dynamic characterization remains the same
• Static characterization is only used in literature, while dynamic characterization is only used in film
• Static characterization is always negative, while dynamic characterization is always positive

exposition

• A detailed description of a character's thoughts
• The climax of a story
• The resolution of a story
• The introduction of background information about events, characters, or other elements of a work

protagonist

• Antagonist
• Side character
• Supporting character
• Main character

antagonist

• A character in a story
• The main character
• The hero of the story
• The villain or opposing force in a story

conflict

• A disagreement or argument
• A type of food
• A musical instrument
• A type of animal

foreshadowing

• A literary device in which a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story
• A type of character in a story
• A genre of literature
• A method of concluding a story

flashback

• A sudden and disturbing vivid memory of an event in the past
• A type of special effect in a movie
• A type of dance
• A type of food

allusion

• A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art
• A figure of speech that makes a reference to a place, person, or something that happened
• A figure of speech that makes a brief, indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance
• A figure of speech that makes a direct or indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance